Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head, Advocate Andrea Johnson, shared harrowing details of a death threat she received while appearing before a parliamentary inquiry on Thursday.
The session was part of the investigation into allegations raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
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Johnson revealed that an alarming message was sent directly to her phone, warning her to “get body bags” as she and her team had “gone too far.”
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“In my almost 30 years, it was the first time it happened to me directly, and given that we have dealt with contentious and high-profile matters over the years. This was different and very difficult. The threat still remains, which makes it more difficult,” she said.
She admitted the threat had forced her to confront the grim realities of her profession. “The fight against corruption is not for sissies and so you can’t be weak in this fight,” Johnson stated. Despite the threat, she made it clear that stepping away from her role was not an option.
“What I can’t do is to step away from this work. If I step away, who takes over, and what happens to the person who takes over?” she asked.
Corruption Allegations and the IDAC’s Response
Johnson said the experience made her more alert, acknowledging the risks involved in fighting corruption.
“You read about it and say this issue is absolutely terrible. When it comes at you directly, it really makes you pause. So I have had my pause moment. I have to get over my pause moment because I have to do my job.”
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Responding to Mkhwanazi’s criticism that IDAC exaggerated corruption claims by arresting Crime Intelligence Division head Dumisani Khumalo and six others, Johnson clarified that their investigation exposed a coordinated effort to manipulate appointments for personal gain.
“They grouped themselves in a way to achieve a particular agenda to gratify Brigadier Mokwele with a post which she was neither qualified nor had the requisite experience because she needed to be placed in a strategic position and indebted her to the accused for whatever they require in the future,” Johnson explained.
The investigation followed a complaint by National Coloured Congress leader and MP Fadiel Adams. Johnson dismissed accusations that IDAC conducted a witch-hunt against Mkhwanazi, National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, or Khumalo.
“There are criminal matters in IDAC. If IDAC wanted to go on a witch-hunt, nothing precluded IDAC from arresting and placing both General Mkhwanazi and Masemola when I took office in 2022 or any time from then till now. We did not do so because there was not sufficient evidence in the matters we have,” she stated.
Johnson Denies Existence of “Rogue Elements”
Addressing claims by Mkhwanazi that rogue elements operate within IDAC, Johnson firmly denied the allegations. “I am sure General Mkhwanazi should have known that putting such out there is really irresponsible in the absence of evidence. It has cost people their lives. It has cost agencies their mandate,” she said.
“There are no rogues. Perhaps, he knows rogues. He indicated he has sources in IDAC, so maybe those are the rogues, but there are no rogues.”
She further questioned why a provincial commissioner would need “sources” within a law enforcement body. “I think what was most perplexing is why would a provincial commissioner, who used to be an acting national commissioner of police, need sources, not just in IDAC but any law enforcement agency,” Johnson added.
Johnson said she had not yet contacted Mkhwanazi, citing her preparation for the inquiry. “I did not want it to seem we were trying to cover ourselves. There is nothing to cover in IDAC and I am sure if he has that information and I will contact him now that I am done with the Ad Hoc Committee,” she concluded.
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